What Every Pianist Needs to Know About the Body (Paperback)

by Thomas Mark (Author), Roberta Gary (Author), Thom Miles (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Techniques on how to gain greater fluidity of movement while playing to improve the quality of the experience are offered in this manual for serious piano players. This book encourages musicians to develop a broader understanding of the involvement of the entire body in playing-and the strains playing places on the body-by focusing on body mapping to increase awareness of the body's function, size, and structure. Ways in which piano, organ, harpsichord, clavichord, and digital keyboard players can eliminate or prevent carpal tunnel syndrome and other debilitating conditions without traditional medical treatments are also explored.

About the Author
Thomas Mark teaches piano and body mapping. He lives in Portland, Oregon. Roberta Gary is a professor of organ and the head of the Keyboard Division at the College-Conservatory of Music of the University of Cincinnati. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio. Thom Miles is the director of music at Isaac M. Wise Temple and an assistant organist at Christ Church Cathedral, Cincinnati. He lives in

Product Details

• Paperback: 155 pages
• Publisher: Gia Publications (April 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1579992064
• ISBN-13: 978-1579992064
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #50,205 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #18 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Exercise & Fitness > Injury Prevention
  #41 in	Books > Science > Medicine > Specialties > Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
  #88 in	Books > Entertainment > Music > Instruments & Performers > Piano

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Book on the Market in Its Field, December 30, 2004

By	Barbara Lister-Sink - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is simply the best book presently on the market for understanding and acquiring the principles of healthful, injury-preventive keyboard technique. Although nothing substitutes for hands-on training with a knowledgable teacher, this book will be remarkably helpful to the injuried or inquiring keyboardist. It is clear, succinct, and written in accessible, non-tedious language. Informative illustrations abound. The emphasis on technique as a coordination of the whole body with the instrument and the sound biomechanical information throughout are a welcomed relief from the hundreds of historically confusing and dense writings on technique. Technique is a highly complex, subtle physical activity which must be learned by understanding and sensing how the body mechanism works best. Thomas Mark and supplementary authors Gary and Miles, supported by the superb work of Barbara and Bill Conable in Body Mapping and Alexander Technique, have made a truly laudable contribution to the keyboard profession with this book.

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have for every pianists and piano teacher, September 15, 2004

By	Bridget Jankowski (Cuyahoga Falls, OH USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Tom Mark's book is brilliant. It is easy to read and is entirely clear and concise. I am a pianist, piano teacher, and certified Andover Educator and I am thrilled to have such a tool at my disposal. I tell every pianist who comes to me with any kind of movement-based issue to read this book first. I find myself continually rereading it and quoting from it in my teaching. It is the kind of source from which one can gain new insights with each reading. In fact, it is so user-friendly that many people need very little help from me once they have read the book and worked with the ideas on their own.

I have found that after studying this material and making these concepts my own, I have been able to communicate and demonstrate these ideas to my students, regardless of their age or level. It has revolutionized my teaching and playing, and the playing of my students as well.

This book is so well researched and written it should come with a satisfaction guarantee. It's just that good!

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Playing becomes easier and more enjoyable, August 24, 2004

By	L. Krayer-Luke (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The information contained in this book is extremely valuable for ALL musicians (even flute players, like me!). My approach to playing my instrument has changed forever. I enjoy practicing and performing more than ever before, and I feel a lot more confident as a musician.

Learning the practical human anatomy involved in playing my instrument has made movement easier and more enjoyable. I spent many years as a music major feeling extremely limited in my technique (especially my finger technique). Practicing Taffanel Gaubert finger exercises for an hour each day was doing nothing for me except causing a lot of emotional and physical pain. This book showed me how to use my fingers, and whole arm structure, in a more mechanically advantageous way. My scales, or any technical passage that I might encounter in a piece of literature, are faster, more even, and sooooo much easier to play.

The information from this book also made my required group piano class at the University of Northern Iowa a lot easier to get through:) I can't imagine being a piano major or professor and not having this knowledge. The information in this book is what every piano professor needs to be teaching in piano pedagogy. This information needs to become standard knowledge for all musicians--especially those who intend to make music as a living.

I cannot say enough about this book. If you're frustrated with your technical abilities, if you play in pain, if you want to be a responsible teacher....buy this book.